Last night, Garden City, KS (population 27,000) became the latest community to repeal it's breed specific law. The law had previously designated American Pit Bull Terrers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers as being "vicious".
The mention of breeds has been removed from the ordinance and now the definition of vicious is based solely on the behavior of dogs -- including dogs that have a propensity to attack or have bitten.
"Pit Bull" owners will no longer have to post "vicious dog" signs and can now walk their dogs without muzzles.
Congrats to Garden City on their wise decision and in joining 5 other cities so far this year in repealing their breed-specific laws. The tide really is turning.
Great news! Is there currently any action or discussion going on in the KC Metro area? (KCK, OP, Leawood, etc)? All of the repeals we are seeing are obviously fueled by members of the community, and I'm just wondering what the story is here in KC.
Posted by: Pitties | February 05, 2014 at 05:46 PM
Those other areas are not being ignored. There have been other areas that have been more open to discussions, but yes, all are on the radar.
Posted by: Brent | February 05, 2014 at 06:02 PM
Thanks for the info, Brent. I saw in a recent article from one of the KC Metro areas, a comment from a commissioner about the need for "more citizens to bring concerns to the table" in order for the BSL to be looked at. Would petitions of some sort, from large amounts of residents in these areas be useful? Like I said, I don't know what has been done in the past or what is currently being discussed. Just wondering if this would be a viable option, in order for these city council members to start taking another look.
Posted by: Pitties | February 06, 2014 at 09:28 AM